Aust set to join Pacific defence exercise

Australian warships, aircraft and soldiers are set to participate in RIMPAC, the world's largest international maritime warfare exercise.

RIMPAC - Rim of the Pacific - 2016 will involve 27 nations, with Australia contributing amphibious landing ship HMAS Canberra, frigates HMAS Ballarat and HMAS Warramunga, three RAAF AP-3C Orion aircraft, navy clearance divers and a landing force from 2RAR.

The month-long exercise is held off Hawaii and involves a wide range of scenarios including disaster assistance, anti-submarine and surface warfare, air defence, amphibious landings and live firing of guns and missiles.